What ingredients are in a Kentucky Mule drink?

A classic Kentucky mule recipe keeps things simple: bourbon, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice over ice, usually garnished with a lime wedge and sometimes mint. Most versions use about 2 oz bourbon, 1/2–1 oz lime juice, and 4–6 oz ginger beer, built directly in a copper mug or rocks glass. The bourbon provides warmth and vanilla-caramel notes, the ginger beer adds spice and sweetness, and the lime brightens everything up. Bottom line: A Kentucky Mule uses bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice, plus ice and an optional lime or mint garnish.

What’s the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Kentucky Mule?

The main difference between a Moscow mule and a Kentucky mule is the base spirit. A Moscow mule uses vodka, ginger beer, and lime, traditionally served in a copper mug. A Kentucky mule swaps the vodka for bourbon, giving the drink more flavor from the whiskey and often a slightly sweeter, oakier profile. Some people also call bourbon-based mules “bourbon mules” or “Horsefeathers,” depending on the exact recipe and region. Bottom line: Moscow mule = vodka; Kentucky mule = bourbon, but both use ginger beer and lime.

What are the ingredients in a mule drink?

In cocktail terms, “mule” usually refers to a family of drinks that combine a base spirit, ginger beer, and lime juice. The classic Moscow mule uses vodka; a Mexican mule uses tequila; a London mule uses gin; and a Kentucky mule recipe uses bourbon. All of them follow the same basic template: spirit + ginger beer + lime, served over ice, often in a copper mug. Bottom line: A mule drink is any cocktail built on spirit, ginger beer, and lime, with the spirit changing the style and name.

What’s the difference between a Moscow Mule and a mule?

“Moscow mule” is one specific mule drink that uses vodka, ginger beer, and lime and helped popularize the entire style in the mid-20th century. The broader term “mule” covers all the variations that keep ginger beer and lime but change the base spirit—for example, bourbon for a Kentucky mule or tequila for a Mexican mule. When someone just says “mule,” they usually mean the classic Moscow mule, but in cocktail menus, “mule” has become a flexible template. Bottom line: Every Moscow mule is a mule, but not every mule is a Moscow mule—the difference is which spirit you use.

Can I make a Kentucky Mule without a copper mug?

Yes, you can absolutely make this Kentucky mule recipe in any sturdy glass. Copper mugs look fun and stay very cold, but they are not required for flavor. A rocks glass, highball glass, or even a stemless wine glass works fine as long as you fill it with plenty of ice and use chilled ginger beer. Just avoid very thin glass if you are adding lots of ice and very cold ingredients. Bottom line: A copper mug is traditional, but any solid glass works for a Kentucky mule.

Kentucky Mule Recipe Refreshing Bourbon Ginger Cocktail

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz (60 ml) bourbon

1/2–1 oz (15–30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice

4–6 oz (120–180 ml) chilled ginger beer

Ice cubes

Lime wedge or wheel, for garnish

Fresh mint sprig, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Chill a copper mug or sturdy rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes if you have time.

2. Fill the mug or glass almost to the top with ice cubes.

3. Measure 2 oz bourbon and pour it over the ice.

4. Add 1/2–1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, starting with the smaller amount if you prefer a less tart drink.

5. Top with 4–6 oz chilled ginger beer, pouring gently so you keep the bubbles.

6. Stir the drink once or twice with a bar spoon just to combine the bourbon, lime, and ginger beer.

7. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel and a fresh mint sprig if you like.

8. Serve the Kentucky mule immediately while it is very cold and fizzy.

Notes

Adjust the lime juice to taste; use closer to 1 oz if you like a brighter, more tart cocktail.

Choose a ginger beer you enjoy on its own, ideally one made with real ginger and not too sweet.

To lighten the drink, use a lower-sugar ginger beer or replace an ounce or two with sparkling water.

For a mocktail version, skip the bourbon and mix ginger beer, lime juice, and mint over ice, or use a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative.

Always serve this cocktail only to adults of legal drinking age and encourage slow, mindful sipping alongside food.

Author: Adam Moretti
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American